What is a Kiko?

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In 1986 Caprinex became involved with five other people and formed GOATEX GROUP LIMITED. Kiko goats were developed in New Zealand by the Goatex Group Ltd.  These farmers used feral goats and crossed them with domestic breeds.  Through natural selection only the strongest goats were kept in the herds all others were culled.  With very firm culling they were able to produce goats that were:

• Hardy

• Resistant to parasites

• Good mothering skills and capability

• Adequate milk

• Good lean carcass

• Less leg and hoof problems

• Blocky body shape

• Good udder attachments

• Good Mouths

The Kiko was officially introduced by its New Zealand developers as a new goat breed in 1987.  Kiko’s were introduced to Canada in 1998 but didn’t have any real interest until 2000.  With most Canadian Kiko producers being in Ontario and Quebec, the Kiko is slowly making its way across Canada thanks to dedicated purebred producers in Manitoba and Alberta.

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Although they look like many other goat breeds they are a breed all of their own and cannot be judged as other breeds.  Physically, there are some differences:

• Kiko’s are taller than their meat goat counter parts, therefore look leaner, but the scale and the butcher say different.

• Kiko goats produce the same amount of lean meat if not more as the other meat goat breeds.

• Kiko’s can be white, black, brown, spotted, etc.  Because they have all these colors in their bloodlines it is not unusual for a white doe to birth a black baby and their twins and triplets won't always look alike.

• Kiko’s have a more distinct slope to their rump that other goats.

• Kiko’s eyes can be brown, blue, or even white

• Kiko’s horns are very distinct.  They curl out wards and have distinct ridges around them.